The Rangers start their first of 17 back-to-backs Friday in Columbus. This back-to-back is actually a home-and-home, as its the home opener for both the Blue Jackets and Rangers, who play at MSG on Saturday. New York comes in off a 3-2 Opening Night over the Blackhawks.
The lines tonight will be the same as they were Wednesday. In fact, the whole lineup will be the same, as Henrik Lundqvist does get the nod between the pipes. Originally, it looked like Antti Raanta would start tonight and Hank on Saturday. But as now, Lundqvist will start both games, with AV citing the six days off between the last pre-season game and Wednesday's regular season opener as a reason.
Forwards:
Nash-Brassard-Zuccarello; Kreider-Stepan-Hayes; Stalberg-Lindberg-Miller; Moore-Stoll-Fast Extra: Etem
Blueline:
McDonagh-Girardi; Staal-Boyle; Yandle-Klein Extra: McIlrath
Goalies:
Lundqvist Raanta
The story heading into tonight is AV calling out the team's top line for their lack of effort:
“My expectations (for) that line are so high,… Vigneault said. “I think (they are) three elite players that have got to come to play and play hard every night. If you ask them, they might tell you, ‘Oh, we’re slow starters.’ I say, ‘Compete harder. Play a little harder, and you’ll be a quick starter.’…
While it was just one game, I like seeing that AV won't accept mediocrity, especially when it comes to effort. Nash, Brassard and Zucc, especially the first two, weren't enamored by their coach's comments but the message has been sent to them and the squad. Just getting by won't cut it. AV could used the argument that Zucc was just getting back to himself and the trio didn't see a ton of game time this preseason, but he opted against that.
The bar has been set for all and it's a high one.